John Maxwell, Sr.
John Joseph Maxwell, Sr, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 11, 2019. He was born on March 20, 1929 in Quincy, the son of Ralph E. & Anna (Kearney) Maxwell. He married Pauline Walker on May 20, 1950 at St. Boniface Catholic Church. She survives him in death.
John was a Traffic Lieutenant with the Quincy Police Department serving from 1956 until his retirement in 1987.
John was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a former long time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He served as a lector and a communion minister. He was a scout master and a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. John was a member of the Elks, the Eagles and served as a Little League Baseball Coach. He was an airport commissioner for the Quincy Regional Airport, a member of the Illinois Police Association, the Safety Council and was named Policeman of the year, receiving the key to the city. John also enjoyed flying and camping.
In addition to his wife, John is also survived by:
FOUR CHILDREN: John Maxwell, Jr. and his wife Connie; Jim Maxwell, Debra Sparrow, Sandra Haubrich and her husband Brad.
GRANDCHILDREN: Michelle Stefanski and her husband Bob; Melissa Freeman and her husband Matt; Laura Stephens and her husband Andrew; and Angie Stubbs and her husband Justin; Jason Sparrow and his wife Jessica; Shawn Sparrow and his wife Maria; Nathan Sparrow and his fiancée Chelsea; Jeffery Chevalier; Jack Chevalier and Connor Haubrich.
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Madeline Maxwell; Abigail Freeman, John Freeman, and Matthew Freeman; Jacob Myers, Isabella Myers, Michael Stephens, Annabelle Stephens, Drew Stephens, Lily Thompson, Ethan Stubbs, Alex Stubbs, Marilyn Stubbs; Aiden Sparrow, Avery Sparrow, Lynnox Sparrow and Stella Sparrow.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Paul, Charles, Ralph and Robert Maxwell and Sisters: Marguerite Chapman and Ruth Staggs.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Church or to the Police Benevolent Society.
So sorry for your loss. Roger has known John since he was driving around town. Seen John and Pauline a lot of Saturday night’s at the Coach House. He always had a smile. We will miss him. Prayers and hugs for your family.
Even though I only knew him for the last year, he was a great man! He would always come into McDonalds with Pauline and give us tootsie rolls. He will be missed.
I’m sorry for your loss ..May the Lord wrap his arms around the family as they go threw this time…sending prayers
Pauline, My prayers and condolences. I will never forget the times/pleasure of working with Lt.
( my parents were John and Billie Bliven)
John my prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. You dad lived a full and rich life that will provide you with many great memories you can cherish always.
I am sorry for your loss. Debbie Sparrow thinking of you.
I received a lot of good advice from John as I began my career in law enforcement. To his family, please accept my sincere sympathy and may God comfort and bless each of you during this time.
Sending prayers and sympathy for your family. So sorry for your loss.
I will truly miss my Uncle John. He was the best of the best. Always kind and thoughtful. I know John is now happy in heaven with his brothers and sisters but we will miss him here on earth.
My prayers and condolences. God Bless.
He was a very nice man. He is going to be well missed. Prayers going out to the family and friends
Pauline, I’m so sorry
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a great guy. My parents (Billy & Carlene Bennett) were friends. My dad and John probably helped with scouting together. Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Pauline and family, So sorry to hear of John’s passing. As we all know, John was a great guy and will be missed by family and everyone who knew him. Many fond memories of years past. Sorry we won’t be able to attend services since we are out of town for a while. Really hate to miss seeing everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
A very nice man and a good example to all.
Such a kind man, we’re long time Payson residents and send sincere sympathies to John’s family and friends.